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Guide to Ulpan Study9th Edition

ENG

LISH

משרד העלייה והקליטהMinistry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption

הודפס על ידי המדפיס הממשלתי

ירושלים 2015

Telephone Information Center (03) 9733333

e-mail:[email protected]

www.klita.gov.il

Special thanks to Dr. Shari Fier, Senior Director of Education, The Department of Community Absorption, the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, for her assistance in updating this booklet.

הופק על ידיאגף מידע ופרסום משרד העלייה והקליטה

רח' הלל 15, ירושלים 9458115 © כל הזכויות שמורות

Produced by

The Publications DepartmentMinistry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption 15 Rehov Hillel, Jerusalem 9458115

© All Rights ReservedJerusalem 2015

Ida Ben Shetreet - Director, Publications Department

Laura L. Woolf - Chief Editor, English Language Publications

Catalogue Number: 0113715090

3 A Guide to Ulpan Study

Table of Contents

Hebrew Ulpan אולפן לעברית

Registration for Ulpan הרשמה לאולפנים

Receiving Assistance קבלת סיועfor Ulpan Study

Ulpan Alef ’אולפן א

Ministry of Aliyah and תכניות משרד העלייה והקליטהImmigrant Absorption לתגבור השפה העברית Programs for Reinforcing Hebrew

Continuing Hebrew Study אולפן המשך

Hebrew Study Options לימודי עברית לסטודנטים במוסדותfor Students at Institutions להשכלה גבוהה of Higher Education

Kibbutz Ulpan אולפן קיבוץ

Tips for Ulpan Students עצות לתלמידי אולפן

English-Speaking Immigrant ארגוני עולים Organizations

Directory of Ulpan Programs מדריך לתכניות אולפן

Useful Addresses and כתובות ומספרי טלפון Telephone Numbers

5

7

9

10

18

18

19

22

23

25

26

35


Hebrew Ulpan

For those who do not know what ‘ulpan’ is, welcome to your first Hebrew lesson. Technically, the word means ‘studio,’ but it also denotes intensive Hebrew language instruction designed to give new immigrants (and other students) maximum Hebrew proficiency within a minimum amount of time. In Hebrew ulpan, you will learn to speak, read, and write in Hebrew, as well as begin to familiarize yourself with Israeli society.

The importance of Hebrew ulpan as part of the absorption process cannot be overemphasized. The language skills you acquire in ulpan will benefit you through every phase of absorption, including finding a place to live, looking for employment, and building relationships with veteran Israelis. During ulpan you will learn about and experience Israeli society, politics, and culture, while getting to know those institutions, authorities, and agencies that you will be dealing with in the future.

This booklet is a basic guide to Hebrew ulpan options in Israel.

At the back of this booklet you will find a feedback survey about this publication. We would appreciate you taking the time to fill it out and return it to us, in order that we may improve future editions.

The information in this booklet is accurate as of the date of publication. However, due to periodic changes in regulations, programs, and ulpan locations, you should refer to this brochure as a general guide only. For up-to-date information about ulpan programs, contact a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption. You can also find information about ulpan on the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption’s website: www.klita.gov.il.


Note: This is the ninth edition of this booklet, and hereby nullifies all previous editions. Information in this booklet is based on data provided by various official sources. Details are subject to change. In case of discrepancy, the regulations of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption and other official bodies will prevail.


Registering for Ulpan

It is important to register at a Hebrew ulpan as soon as possible after obtaining new immigrant (oleh chadash) status in Israel.

In order to find out about ulpan options, see a personal absorption counselor at a local office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (see Useful Addresses). The counselor will check eligibility for a subsidy of ulpan study, and refer you to non-residential, Ministry-approved ulpanim in your area. Be sure to telephone in advance in order to arrange an appointment.

Note that a personal absorption counselor cannot place you in kibbutz ulpan, or various absorption programs of the Jewish Agency. If you are interested in such options, you must make arrangements prior to aliyah through an aliyah shaliach or kibbutz movement. In Israel, consult with the Jewish Agency or the kibbutz movements. Following aliyah it is usually not possible to arrange for placement in an absorption facility. However, you may be able to attend ulpan classes at Jewish Agency absorption center ulpanim that are open to non-residents. To find out which Jewish Agency ulpanim are open to non-residents, and may be funded through the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, see a your personal absorption counselor.

Once you have selected an ulpan, you must obtain a signed confirmation of registration (ishur harshama) from the ulpan administration. You then submit the confirmation to your personal absorption counselor, who will process your paperwork.


Note that personal absorption counselors can only provide information and counseling regarding Hebrew study options, as well as arrange for a subsidy of studies. While personal absorption counselors can assure placement in an ulpan, they cannot guarantee placement in any specific ulpan at a specific time.

Although ulpan programs begin on specific dates, commencement of classes is usually contingent upon sufficient enrollment. If there is no class available in your immediate area, you are referred to an ulpan in the nearest possible location.


Receiving Assistance for Ulpan Study

New immigrants over the age of 17 are usually entitled to funding for initial ulpan studies, known as ulpan alef. The assistance consists of a one-time sum that covers all or part of the tuition, depending on the ulpan. A subsidy for ulpan is generally available only during the first 18 months following the date of aliyah. To verify eligibility, contact a personal absorption counselor at a local office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (see Useful Addresses).

In certain situations, such as illness, new immigrants may receive an extension of the eligibility period.

It is recommended, whenever possible, to coordinate ulpan study with the period of Absorption Basket payments, which cover living expenses during the period of ulpan. If your ulpan study takes place following the period of Absorption Basket assistance, and you are not employed, you may be eligible for assured income payments from the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption. Consult with a personal absorption counselor for details of eligibility and other information.

Note: for more information, see also the booklets entitled “The Absorption Basket,” and the “Guide for the New Immigrant,” available from the Publications Department. See the order form at the back of this booklet.

In some cases, immigrants who receive income assistance from the National Insurance Institute may be exempt from ulpan fees for up to two years from their date of aliyah. Consult with a personal absorption counselor for more details.


Ulpan Alef

Ulpan alef is the initial ulpan to which all new immigrants are entitled within their first 18 months in the country. It is the only ulpan that the State of Israel is obligated to make available. No immigrant is required to take ulpan classes, although it is strongly recommended to take advantage of the opportunity. Completing ulpan during your initial months in the country will accelerate your process of adjustment and ease your integration, especially when you begin seeking employment. Remember that in most cases you are not eligible for subsidised ulpan study after your first 18 months in the country. Once you start working full-time, it can become more difficult to find time for Hebrew studies. Therefore, it is important to register at an ulpan as early as possible, and to put maximum effort into Hebrew studies during the first months following aliyah. Once you are enrolled, try your best to stick out the entire period of study. It’s worth it!

It is also worth noting that completion of ulpan can count towards six months of seniority for persons employed in some public sector positions.

Ulpan alef generally operates on the premise that you have no Hebrew background. Most students are initally placed into a beginners class. If your Hebrew is already beyond the primary level, you will usually have the opportunity to begin at a more advanced level. The instructor will assess your progress throughout your studies, and recommend placement in an appropriate level for you based on your rate of learning.

Completing ulpan alef normally takes about five months, requiring, on average, 25 hours of study per week. The primary areas of study are reading comprehension, writing, grammar, spoken Hebrew, and listening-comprehension. Since many students find that an insufficient amount of time is devoted to conversational


Hebrew and listening-comprehension in the classroom, you may want to work on these areas outside of ulpan by interacting with native Israelis, listening to the radio, watching television, and so on.

By the conclusion of ulpan alef, most students will have acquired functional Hebrew, and gained basic knowledge about Israel.

There are two general ulpan alef options:

• Ulpan boker - morning ulpan.• Ulpan erev - evening ulpan.

Most new immigrants opt for ulpan boker (morning ulpan). The majority of ulpan boker courses are intensive in nature, lasting for 5 months and taking place 5 days a week - Sunday through Thursday - usually from 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 or 13:00 p.m. Ulpan boker is recommended for students who are not yet employed, or if you work only during the afternoon or evening. Intensive ulpan boker students tend to gain a stronger general command of the language (reading, writing, grammar, and listening-comprehension) by the conclusion of their studies than students in non-intensive courses.

Ulpan erev (evening ulpan,) is also intensive, however the pace is slower. Studies continue for longer than five months, and classes are usually Sunday through Thursday, 17:00-17:30 until 20:00 – 20:30. Ulpan erev is suited to students who are already employed, and who wish to study Hebrew after work. Because most participants have already entered the workforce, and need to use Hebrew on a day-to-day basis, their verbal communication skills often tend to be higher at the conclusion of ulpan than those who study in ulpan boker.


There are also some ulpanim that offer less intensive courses in both the mornings and evenings. To find out whether these types of courses are available in your area, consult with a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption.

In most cases, ulpan alef programs are fully subsidized. Be sure to verify with your personal absorption counselor that the ulpan of your choice is covered.

All Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption-approved ulpanim are run in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, which determines curricula and is responsible for hiring and training instructors.

Most ulpan facilities are equipped with DVD players and television monitors, small libraries, and audio devices for listening-comprehension exercises. Many also offer computers for student use.

The majority of ulpan alef programs are in community settings, and are open to anyone who wishes to study, including new immigrants and tourists. In most cases, programs are non-residential, although those operated by the Jewish Agency are usually in Jewish Agency residential facilities (i.e. absorption centers). There are also some ulpanim on kibbutzim. Remember that if you are interested in residential ulpan options, you must make arrangements prior to aliyah through an aliyah shaliach or kibbutz movement. In Israel, consult with the Jewish Agency or the individual kibbutz movements. Also note that the majority of Jewish Agency and kibbutz programs are intended for young adults, and are not appropriate for older participants or those who have small children.

In addition to the ulpan programs operated by public bodies, there are also several private ulpanim and language institutes, some of which may be funded (fully or partially) through the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption. A personal absorption


counselor can provide details, but cannot ensure placement. For a list of ulpan alef programs throughout the country, see the section below entitled “Directory of Ulpan Programs.”

Vocational Ulpan Knowledge of Hebrew is an essential tool for job success. The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption administers a network of vocational ulpanim for specific professions that incorporate basic Hebrew study (ulpan aleph) with professional terminology. Vocational ulpanim are available primarily for engineering/hi-tech and medical professionals. Each ulpan class is complimented by the services of a vocational psychologist and other employment experts. Courses also include English and computer skills as needed.

Many participants in the professional ulpanim find that because the classes are comprised of people like themselves, they offer a great deal of social and psychological support.

Note that commencement of courses is conditioned on sufficient enrollment and other factors.

For more information, contact a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption (see Useful Addresses).

Ulpan Alef for Health Professionals

Ulpan alef for health professionals emphasizes verbal communication, medical writing, and reading comprehension. Classes also help students to prepare for licensing exams.


Note that many types of medical professionals must pass Hebrew proficiency exams as part of licensing requirements, and that for the licensing exam preparation course, students must be able to understand and summarize lectures in Hebrew. Classes also focus on acquisition of basic medical Hebrew vocabulary and development of listening-comprehension skills.

Contact a district office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption for updated information on locations and availablity of ulpan programs for health professionals.

Advanced Ulpan (“Ulpan Bet”) for Health ProfessionalsUpon completion of ulpan alef, health professionals have the option of continuing Hebrew studies in “ulpan bet.” The duration of the course is approximately 300 hours, and the pace is intensive. For eligibility requirements, consult a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption.

Beyond ulpan bet, preparatory courses (mechina) in medical terminology are offered for specific groups of health professionals, including physicians, nurses, dentists, and pharmacists. Studies include approximately 160 hours of class time. In most cases, students must pass a Hebrew proficiency exam as an entrance requirement.

Note: for more information on licensing and recognition procedures, see the booklets entitled “Medical Professionals,” “Nurses,” and “Psychologists,” available from the Publications Department (see the order form at the back of this booklet).


Ulpan Alef for Engineering and Computer/Hi-Tech Professionals

Ulpan Alef for Engineering and Computer/Hi-tech Professionals generally entails approximately 600 classroom hours. Some 100 hours are devoted to professional terminology and computers.

Consult with a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption for updated information on courses and locations.

Note: for detailed information on licensing and recognition procedures, see the booklets entitled “Engineers and Architects” and “Computer and Hi-Tech Professionals,” available from the Publications Department (see order form at the back of this booklet).

Hebrew Studies for TeachersTeachers must be able to speak Hebrew at a very high level. In fact, their command of the language must be superior to that of immigrants in many other professions. Even teachers of foreign languages must be able to communicate with students and colleagues in Hebrew.

In most cases, following ulpan aleph, immigrant teachers will have to continue their Hebrew studies in courses organized by the Ministry of Education. The courses cover Hebrew language, Hebrew literature, Jewish studies, Jewish history, Bible, and civics. There are courses throughout the country, particularly in the larger cities. Studies usually last between six to nine months.

For information, contact a Unit for Absorption of Immigrant Teachers of the Ministry of Education (see Useful Addresses), and see the booklet entitled “Teachers,” available from the Publications Department (see order form at the back of this booklet).


Ulpan for Pensioners

Special ulpan alef classes are offered for immigrants of pension age. The classes operate according to a program designed especially to meet the needs of older students.

Ulpan for pensioners differs from standard ulpan alef in the following respects:

• The length of the period of study, which is generally 10 months (instead of 5 months).

• The more relaxed pace of study (about 12 hours of class time a week, compared to 25 hours in the regular classes).

• The relative homogeniety, in terms of age, of the course participants (about 90% of the students are between the ages of 59 and 72).

• The greater amount of attention paid by instructors to the needs of older immigrants.

Beyond equipping pension-age immigrants with essential Hebrew language skills, the ulpanim tend to offer a warm and supportive social setting for the participants.

For information about ulpanim for pensioners, contact a personal absorption counselor at a local branch of the Ministry of Immigrant Absorption (see Useful Addresses).

Ulpan for Olim with Disabilities

There a few ulpanim especially for immigrants with disabilities. For details, consult with a personal absorption counselor.


Children

The Ministry of Education allocates teaching hours to primary schools that have new-immigrant students, according to the student’s date of aliyah and the number of immigrant students per class. The teaching hours are for learning Hebrew as a second language, for Hebrew improvement, and for reinforcing and bridging gaps in curricular material. Each new-immigrant student is entitled to a minimum number of teaching hours, even if they are the only immigrant in the school.

Returning-resident students are entitled to enrichment hours for improving their Hebrew skills and for reinforcing gaps in curricular material.

Parents of children with special needs should consult with the school to check the benefits to which their children may be entitled. Immigrant students with special needs in both mainstream and special-education schools are entitled like all immigrant students to Hebrew-improvement study. The number of hours is in accordance with the number of immigrant students in the school.

‘Second Chance’ Ulpan

‘Second Chance’ ulpan is for those who did not complete their Hebrew studies in a regular ulpan. At the time of publication, the ulpan is offered in a number of cities, with plans to expand the program in the future.

‘Second Chance’ ulpan includes four modules of study:

• Speech and verbal expression.• Listening comprehension.• Reading and writing comprehension.• Writing and written expression.


Students can choose three of the four modules, with studies at various levels. Classes are held primarily during afternoon and evening hours. There is a tuition fee.

For more information, or to register for a ‘Second Chance’ ulpan, contact a branch office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption.

Hebrew Absorption Projects of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption

The Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption supports a variety of projects and programs designed to improve and reinforce Hebrew among different age-groups and populations. Projects include radio broadcasts and compturized learning. For details, see www.hebrew.klita.gov.il, or contact a personal absorption counselor.

Continuing Hebrew Study

‘Supplementary’ or ‘advanced’ ulpanim, sometimes referred to as ‘ulpan hemshech,’ or ‘ulpan bet,’ are offered from time to time in various locations, and are open to anyone who feels the need to improve their Hebrew. Classes are mainly during the evening, and require a fee, but discounts are often available to new immigrants within their first three years of aliyah. Check with a personal absorption counselor at the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, and the local ulpan administration or admissions office.

Another way to continue Hebrew studies following ulpan alef is through various language-enrichment and Hebrew literature courses offered by regional colleges or the Open University. These courses are generally open to anyone, and are offered on a regular basis. For information, contact the individual colleges.


Hebrew Study for Students at Institutions of Higher Education

Hebrew is the language of study at Israeli institutions of higher education. Lectures and workshops are in Hebrew, exams are in Hebrew, and at least a percentage of readings are in Hebrew. In addition, students may be expected to submit papers in Hebrew, despite the fact that some professors will accept – or may even prefer – papers in English. Note that even in international school graduate programs where the official language of study is English, attaining Hebrew proficiency is often compulsory. In general, students must reach an aptitude level that allows for understanding classroom lectures, as well as for participation in exercises and workshops.

As part of the admissions process at universities, including mechina (preparatory) programs, students are required to take a Hebrew proficiency or placement exam (‘bechinat miyun’). This exam is usually graded from level alef (beginning) to level vav (upper advanced). Applicants may also take a level exam (‘bechinat ramah,’) in order to determine their Hebrew level more precisely. Candidates who score above level vav are considered to be at ‘exemption level,’ which means, in most cases, that they are exempt from additional Hebrew study. Applicants that demonstrate a high level of Hebrew aptitude on the placement exam may be offered the opportunity to take the exemption exam (‘bechinat haptor’). A score of 75% or above on this exam is usually sufficient to gain an exemption from further Hebrew study.

Note that Hebrew proficiency levels as defined by the universities are not equivalent to the levels designated by ulpanim outside of the universities.

In most cases, daled (upper intermediate) is the minimum level required for university acceptance. This means that applicants that have not passed the gimmel level (intermediate) exam are generally not permitted to enroll as a regular students. Some


departments, e.g. law, medicine, Israel studies, and Jewish studies, demand a higher level (heh or vav), while others, such as Hebrew linguistics and literature, Bible studies, and Talmud, condition enrollment on passing the exemption exam.

Note that students are usually required to pass the Hebrew exemption exam before their second year of studies, and almost always before they graduate. This applies whether or not they are in a pre-academic mechina program. This means that many students must take Hebrew language classes (generally for no academic credit) in addition to their regular course schedule. Summer courses and courses during the winter break are usually offered. Since the Student Authority offers various free programs to improve Hebrew proficiency prior to academic studies, student who take Hebrew courses at the university do not receive coverage from the Student Authority for those courses. The Student Authority also does not fund university summer ulpanim, and offers alternative summer ulpanim, free of charge to eligible students.

Hebrew courses during the semester normally run for 14 weeks and are divided into six levels, ranging from alef to vav. Class hours generally vary from 6 to 16 per week, depending on the level and program of study. In addition, there are typically a number of elective courses offered, which are designed to improve specific language skills, such as newspaper reading, conversation, and composition writing.

Note that candidates who completed high school studies overseas, and who take the Israeli NITE Psychometric University Entrance Examination in a language other than Hebrew, must take the Hebrew proficiency exam (the Yael exam). Students who study in a mechina (preparatory) program usually take the Hebrew proficiency exam as part of their mechina studies.

Although immigrant students may enroll in any ulpan, they are strongly encouraged, if eligible, to learn Hebrew within the framework of one of the pre-academic programs run by the Student Authority, which are designed especially for immigrant


students. The programs, called TAKA, help prepare for academic demands, including the Hebrew placement exams at universities, while the dates of operation are coordinated with the opening of the fall and spring semesters. For more information, contact the Student Authority. See Useful Addresses.

Pre-Academic Mechina

Students with high school diplomas not equivalent to the Israeli Bagrut (in most cases, students from North and South America, Russia, and various other countries) are required by most Israeli universities to take a mechina course before being admitted.

Pre-academic mechina is a one-year university preparatory program to strengthen immigrant students’ skills and knowledge in various subjects. In most mechina programs there is a course to prepare for the Psychometric University Entrance Examination but this is not an integral part of the mechina and is paid for separately by the students. The mechina programs are affiliated with university faculties, and students choose one of the following tracks: social sciences & humanities, natural sciences, or engineering.

Within the framework of the mechina, students who have not passed the exemption exam in Hebrew are required to take Hebrew classes. It is usually possible to be admitted to most mechinot after having completed one ulpan level.

For more information contact the Student Authority. See Useful Addresses.


The Student Authority

The Student Authority provides the following services & assistance:• Tuition grants for eligible new immigrants for undergraduate or

graduate degrees, practical engineering, or certificate studies. • Assistance for successful study and integration into Israeli

academia.• Pre-academic and social-integration programs.• Information and guidance to new-immigrant students during

their studies, including pre-aliyah services to students who are still overseas.

Kibbutz Ulpan

Kibbutz ulpan combines half a day of Hebrew study with half a day of work. It is intended for immigrants age 18 to 30, singles and couples without children, in good health, who are willing and able to do physical labor.

Kibbutz ulpan generally lasts five months. Participants work and study for 8 hours a day, on a rotational basis, 6 days a week.

Two to three persons are housed in one room, and meals are served in the kibbutz dining room. On secular kibbutzim kosher food is usually not available. On religious kibbutzim the food is kosher, Shabbat is observed, and students are expected to conduct themselves accordingly.

All participants in kibbutz ulpan must pay fees.


For more information on kibbutz ulpan and other short-term programs, contact the kibbutz movements or the Jewish Agency (see Useful Addresses).

Tips for Ulpan Students

The following list of tips is to help to maximize the ulpan experience. It is based on the advice and experience of ulpan teachers, as well as former students. No doubt you’ll discover additional methods on your own.

• Since ulpan is designed to immerse you in the language, Hebrew will almost always be the only language spoken in the classroom. Ulpan instructors are generally not willing to translate terms into other languages. Instead, they will use Hebrew words that students have already acquired, and the context of the material, in order to convey the meanings of new terms. You should prepare yourself accordingly, and bring a Hebrew-English dictionary with you to class.

• It may help to make recordings of lessons that you can review at home.

• Show up to every class, if possible, and arrive on time. Ulpan courses progress at a quick pace, and missing even one session can leave you feeling somewhat lost when you return.

• Learning Hebrew is a reciprocal process between you, your instructor, and your classmates. Participate actively in class, assist fellow students who are having trouble, and don’t be shy about asking others for help if you need it.

• Devote as much time as possible outside of class to Hebrew


study or to speaking Hebrew. Daily classes over 5 months may seem like a lot, but as many students and teachers agree, it is usually insufficient to attain a high level of proficiency. It is recommended to devote at least one hour of study, including the completion of homework assignments, outside of class, per hour of class time.

• Initiate contacts with veteran Israelis. This can help to increase your motivation to learn Hebrew, and give you an incentive to use the language. Don’t be embarrassed by mistakes, and accept corrections when they are offered.

• Expose yourself to the Hebrew media, literature, and visual and performing arts. Reading Hebrew newspapers, magazines, and novels, listening to the radio, watching television, and seeing plays and films, will not only improve your Hebrew, but will also help plug you into Israeli society and culture. Watching educational television programs for young children can often be a good place to start. They generally feature a more grammatically-correct Hebrew than popular entertainment programs, and the hosts also tend to speak more slowly.

• Play games that require a command of Hebrew, such as the Hebrew version of Scrabble (also called “Shabetz-Na,”) various trivia games, “Chai, Tzomeach, Domem” (Animal, Vegetable, Mineral,) and Hebrew versions of Monopoly, Risk, etc.

• Prepare flash cards, which are a traditionally effective tool for memorizing new Hebrew vocabulary.

• Investigate memory-enhancing tactics, such as making cognitive associations between new Hebrew vocabulary and English words.

• While you are in ulpan, try to develop skills, personal strategies, and habits for ongoing language acquisition following ulpan.


• If you have access to the Internet, search for on-line lessons and tutorials. You can also access Hebrew study lessons via the Hebrew Studies page of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption website: www.klita.gov.il.

• Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself. Acquiring a new language is a long and extremely complicated process. Be aware of where you need to make improvements, but recognize and appreciate your accomplishments.

English-Speaking Immigrant Associations

The English-speaking immigrant organizations offer a wide range of services, including information and counseling about Hebrew study options, as well as information on immigrant rights, vocational assistance, and social activities.

For more information about services and membership, consult with the organizations (see Useful Addresses).


Directory of Ulpan Programs

The following is a directory of Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption-approved ulpanim throughout the country. It includes programs that are both fully and partially subsidized. This list is accurate at the time of publication. However, ulpan programs open and close from time to time, and commencement of courses is contingent upon sufficient enrollment and other factors. Be sure to check with your personal absorption counselor for a comprehensive and up-to-date list of ulpanim in your area.

Note that the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption does not endorse any specific ulpanim listed in this booklet, nor does it guarantee financial assistance for any given program. In order to verify that the Ministry will subsidize ulpan study, either partially or fully, at any one of the ulpanim listed here, consult a personal absorption counselor. You must also consult a counselor before contacting any of the ulpanim directly.

More information about ulpanim is also available on the website of the Ministry of Education: http://ae.lms.education.gov.il/.

Address Telephone/Fax Notes

Jerusalem District Ulpan Arnona Tel: (02) 052-7204528 ulpan erev/vocationalArnona HaTsairaJerusalem

Ulpan Beit Shemesh Tel: (02) 9914995 ulpan boker16 Rehov Nahal Dolev Levels aleph-daled Beit Shemesh

Beit HaAm Tel: (02) 6240034 Beginners to level 11 Rehov Bezalel vav from age 18Jerusalem


Gerard Behar Center P.O.B. 2188Jerusalem

Beit Ulpana Tel: (02) 6518896 ulpan boker6 Rehov Barnet (women only)Har Nof, Jerusalem

Fanny Kaplan Tel: (02) 6782858 ulpan boker/ 20 Rehov Fisher advanced levelJerusalem Vocational/medical professionals

Machon Lev Tel: (02) 6751097 ulpan boker and 21 Rehov HaVa’ad HaLeumi eveningJerusalem men only

Machon Meir Tel: (02) 9934897 afternoon ulpan 2 Sd. HaMeiri for students ofJerusalem Machon Meir and external students (men only) Ulpan Morasha Tel: (02) 6281032 levels aleph-daled22 Rehov Shivtei Yisrael Classes according Morasha to language;Jerusalem English, French, Russian,mornings, 5 days per weekUlpan Nagish Tel: (02) 6481464 For persons with 5 Rehov St. Martin physicalJerusalem and/or psychologial disabilities

Ulpan Philip Leon Tel: (02) 6414896 ulpan aleph 8 Rehov Chile pensioners Kiryat HaYovel Jerusalem

Ulpan Alon Shvut Tel: (02) 9961666 For area residentsMatnas Kiryat Arba -Alon Shvut Ulpan Ma’aleh Adumim Tel: (02) 5913111 ulpan bokerMatnas Ma’aleh Adumim (pensioners) 13 Rehov Midbar Yehuda Ma’aleh Adumim



Ulpan Migdal Oz Tel: (02) 9939939 Herzog CollegeGush Etzion

Ulpan Pisgat Ze’ev Tel: (02) 5834473 ulpan hemshech135 Sderot Moshe Dayan pensionersMatnas Pisgat Ze’evPisgat Ze’ev

Ulpan Taka Tel: (02) 6291911 students and Hadassah College teachersJerusalem registration through the Student Authority

Ulpan Yeledim Tel: (02) 6731293 for immigrant 38 Rehov Ussishkin childrenJerusalem

Ulpan Tzuba Tel: (02) 5347713Kibbutz Palmach TzubaD.N. Harei Yehuda Jewish Agency Ulpanim

Ulpan Etzion Tel: (02) 6734201 ulpan boker 27 Rehov Raziel young academicsJerusalem

Ulpan Tzuba Tel: (02) 5347713 kibbbutz ulpan Kibbutz Palmach Tzuba for ages 18-28D.N. Harei Yehuda combines Hebrew study with work on the kibbutz Tel Aviv and Gush Dan Ulpan Beer Ya’akov Tel: (08) 915359125 Rehov Ba’al HaNessBeer Ya’akov

Ulpan Sharett Tel: (03) 5520072 15 Rehov Y.L.Peretz Bat Yam

Beit HaOleh-Holon Tel: (03) 5561523 25 Rehov Ge’ulim Holon

Address Telephone/Fax Notes Address Telephone/Fax Notes


Ulpan Jaffa Tel: (03) 517367014 Sd. HaBaal Shem TovJaffa

Ulpan Achva Tel: (03) 9662482 18 Rehov Borochov Rishon LeTzion

Ulpan Gordon Tel: (03) 5223095/3181 Mercaz Goren-Goldstein 7 Rehov LaSalle Tel Aviv

Ulpan Degania Tel: (03) 5170440 7 Rehov Lilianbloom Tel Aviv

Ulpan Giyur Conversion ulpan2 Rehov HashloshaTel Aviv

Ulpan Yad Eliyahu Tel: 055-6644606 For persons with Machon Beth David vision and 16 Sd. Yad LeBanim hearing disabilitiesTel Aviv

Central District

Ulpan Moadon Enosh Tel: (03) 5064028 For students with 97 Rehov Balfour psychologicalBat Yam difficulties

Ulpan Bnai Brak48 Rehov GrunerBnai Brak

Ulpan Herzlia Tel: (09) 9602771 summer ulpan1 Rehov Kanfei NesharimHerzlia

Ulpan Modi’in Tel: (08) 6326619 aleph-vav2 Rehov Macabi’im Modi’in

Ulpan Be’iri Tel: 055-6644606 Be’iri School Rehov Bar Ilan Netanya



International Tel: (09) 8341223 Standard/vocationalUlpan-Netanya 36 Rehov Shomo HaMelech19 Rehov Hechal, Matnas Heftziba1 Rehov Arie Levin

Mercaz Ulpanim Matnas Verber Tel: (03) 924675218 Rehov HaPortzimPetach Tikva

Ulpan Mishmar HaSharon Tel: (09) 8983164Kibbutz Mishmar HaSharon

Ulpan Na’an Tel: 052-2232672 Young people Kibbutz Na’an to age 30

Ulpan Ra’anana Tel: (09) 7744928 13 Rehov HaSharon Ra’anana

Haifa and Northern DistrictUlpan Akko Tel: (04) 6753002 ulpan bet Beit Hyman 16 Rehov HerzogAkko

Ulpan Matnas Mercaz Tel: (04) 9088274109 Rehov TzahalCarmiel

Ulpan Ein HaShofet Tel: 054-3260298Kibbutz Ein HaShofet

Ulpan Tsemach Tel: 050-2200755Emek HaYarden

Ulpan Gedera Moadon Rotary Gedera

Ulpan Haifa Tel: (04) 8567630

Ulpan Haifa/Hanita Tel: (04) 8322018



Ulpan Etzion Tel: (04) 911307321 Rehov HaNamalHaifa

Ulpan Naharia 6 Rehov Achad HaAm Tel: (04) 9926876 Naharia

Ulpan Naharia Tel: (04) 9921403Mercaz Klita Tapuz Naharia

Ulpan Ramat Yochanan Tel: (04) 8459219Kibbutz Ramat Yochanan

Ulpan Sde Eliyahu [email protected] Sde Eliyahu

Ulpan Tiberias Tel: 050-2200755Tiberias

Ulpan Upper Nazareth Tel: (04) 6463059Upper Nazareth

Ulpan Agamim Tel: 050-22007551 Rehov AnalevitzTzfat

Beer Sheva and Southern DistrictBeit Levron Tel: (08) 8555834Rehov Natan AlbazAshdod

HaUlpan Hemeshudrag Tel: (08) 865206854 Rehov HaAtzmautAshdod

Ulpan Matnas Daled Tel: (08) 8552721 Matnas Daled 16 Rehov HaShayatim POB 5005 Ashdod



Ulpan Calanit Tel: (08) 6737373 Calanit Absorption Center 307 Rehov BergerAshkelon

Ulpan Ibim Tel: (08) 6890713Cfar StudentimD.N. Hof Ashkelon

Ulpan TAKA Tel: (08) 6789137 TAKAAshkelon College Pre-academic P.O.B. 9071 program Ulpan Altschul Tel: (08) 6654375 Altschul Student Dormotories 11 Rehov Yitzchak SadehBeer Sheva

Ulpan Kvutzat Yavne Tel: (08) 8548311Kvutzat Yavne

Ulpan Ye’elim Tel: (08) 6414955 Sd. Ye’elimBeer Sheva

Ulpan Dimona Tel: (08) 6559935 Matnas Dimona POB 86000 Dimona

Ulpan Eshkol Tel: (08) 8546500 Bayit Rishon M.E. Eshkol BeMoldet and Garin Tzabar

Ulpan Hatzirim Tel: (08) 6473684Kibbutz HatzirimD.N. HaNegev

Ulpan Nitzana Tel: (08) 6561411Kehillat Chinuch Ramat Negev, Nitzana

Ulpan Eilat Tel: (08) 6370077 HaMichlala LeMinhal 30 Rehov Hativat HaNegevEilat



Ulpan Hemdat HaDarom Tel: (08) 9937666 Michlelet HaDaraomP.O.B. 412Netivot

Ulpan Revivim Tel: (08) 6562495 Kibbutz Revivim D.N. Halutza

Ulpan Ofakim Tel: (08) 9926604 Matnas Rabin P.O.B. 200Schunat Bayit Vegan 2Ofakim

Ulpan Ramle Tel: (08) 97718586 Rehov HillelRamle

Ulpan Etzion Tel: (08) 9771858 Students33 Rehov Stern, Matnas OfekRamle

Ulpan Rehovot Tel: (08) 9459397 2 Rehov Giborei Yisrael Rehovot

Ulpan Shova Tel: (08) 9916584Kibbutz ShovalD.N. HaNegev

Jewish Agency Ulpanim

Ulpan Beit Canada Tel: (08) 8560131 Beit Canada 1 Rehov Shavei Tzion Ashdod

Ulpan Beit Canada Tel: (08) 6732287 Mercaz Klita Beit Canada 209 Rehov Bar Kochva BarneaAshkelon

Mercaz Klita Shoshana Tel: (08) 6885951 26 Rehov HaAtzma’utKiryat Gat



A Brief GlossaryPeopleNew immigrant oleh hadash/olah hadasha עולה חדש/עולה חדשה

Personal absorption yoetz/yoetzet klita ishi/ishit יועץ/יועצת קליטה אישי/אישית

counselorStudent talmid/talmida תלמיד/תלמידה

Teacher moreh/morah מורה/מורה

PlacesAbsorption Center mercaz klita מרכז קליטה

Class/classroom kita כיתה

Continuing Ulpan ulpan hemshech אולפן המשך Conversion Ulpan ulpan giyur אולפן גיור External Ulpan ulpan externi אולפן אקסטרני Initial Ulpan ulpan aleph אולפן אלף

The Ministry of Misrad HaAliyah VeHaKlita משרד העלייה והקליטה Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Vocational Ulpan ulpan ta’asukati אולפן תעסוקתי

ThingsBook sefer ספר Desk shulchan שולחן File tik תיק

Hike/Trip tiyul טיול

Identity Card te’udat zehut תעודת זהות

Immigrant’s Card te’udat oleh תעודת עולה

Notebook machberet מחברת

Pen et עט

Pencil iparon עפרון

Test mivchan מבחן

ActivitiesTo Learn lilmode ללמוד

To Read likroe לקרא

To Remember lizcor לזכור

To Speak ledaber לדבר

To Write lichtov לכתוב


Useful Addresses and Telephone Numbers

Telephone numbers and some addresses change frequently in Israel. Consult the latest telephone directory or information operator if you do not reach a number listed here. When a telephone number has been changed, there may not be a recorded message noting the change. Thus, if the number continues to be unanswered, check whether it is still in use.

Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption

[email protected]

Main Office2 Rehov KaplanKiryat Ben GurionPOB 13061Jerusalem 9195016

National Telephone Information Center (03) 9733333

Southern and Jerusalem District Headquarters(Also the Student Authority) 31 Rehov Zalman Shazar (08) 6261216Beer Sheva Fax: (08) 6230811

Jerusalem District Office15 Rehov Hillel 1-599-500-923

Publications Department Fax: (02) 6241585

Haifa and Northern District Headquarters (Also the Student Authority)

15 Sderot HaPalyam (04) 8631111 Haifa Fax: (04) 8622589

Address Telephone/Fax


Tel Aviv and Central District Headquarters (Also the Student Authority) 6 Rehov Esther HaMalka (03) 5209112 Tel Aviv Fax: (03) 5209121

Ministry of Educationwww.education.gov.il Unit for Absorption of Immigrant Teachers

15 Rehov Kanfei Nesharim (02) 5604705Givat Shaul, Jerusalem

2 Rehov HaShlosha (03) 6896573Yad EliyahuTel Aviv

15 Sd. HaPalyam (04) 8632666Haifa

4 Rehov HaTikva (08) 6263333Beer Sheva

Kibbutz Ulpan Kibbutz Movement www.kibbutzulpan.org [email protected]

13 Rehov Leonardo DaVinci Fax: (03) 6532961Tel Aviv

HaKibbutz HaDati (03) 6072777 (Religious Kibbutz Movement) Fax: (03) [email protected]

7 Rehov DubnovTel Aviv


The Jewish Agencywww.jafi.org.il

Main Office (02) 620222248 Rehov King George

Bureau for the Evaluation of Foreign Academic Degrees and Diplomas of the Ministry of Educationwww.education.gov.il

22 Kanfei Nesharim (02) 5601684 Jerusalem

15 Rehov HaPalyam (04) 8632566Haifa

4 Rehov HaTikva (08) 6263255Beer Sheva

See the website for updated details about required documents, public reception hours and other important information.

Association of Americans and Canadians in Israel (AACI) [email protected]

37 Rehov Pierre Koenig (02) 5617151 Jerusalem Fax: (02) 5661186

94 Rehov Allenby (03) 6960389Tel Aviv Fax : (03) 6960401

28 Rehov Shmuel HaNatziv (09) 8330950 Netanya Fax: (09) 8629183

Matnas “Yud Aleph” (08) 6434461Rehov Mordechai Namir Beer Sheva


UJIA Israel (Incorporating Olim from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand) www.ujia.gov.il

32 Rehov Tuval (03) 6965244 POB 3624 Fax: (03) 6968696 Tel Aviv [email protected]

37 Rehov Pierre Koenig (02) 5617151 Jerusalem Fax: (02) [email protected]

Moshav MeonaP.O.B. 5144 24920 (04) 9975166

South African Zionist [email protected]

Head Office (09) 7446110 19/3 Rehov Schwartz Fax: (09) 7446112First FloorRa’ananna

13 Sderot Ben Maimon (02) 5634822 Jerusalem Fax: (02) 5663193

ESRA – English Speaking Residents Associationwww.esra.org.il [email protected]

10 Rehov HaTsabarim (09) 9508371 Herzliya


A moment of your time!In order to improve the level and usefulness of the material presented in this booklet, we would appreciate it if you would answer the following questions:

1. Where did you get the brochure “Guide to Ulpan Study” Airport Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption

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2. To what extent did this booklet provide you with the information that you needed?

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We would appreciate the following information for statistical purposes:

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Place of Residence_____________________ Date_________________

Please send the completed questionnaire to the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, Publications Department, English Section, 15 Rehov Hillel, Jerusalem, 9458115 or by fax to (02) 6241585. You can also place this questionnaire in the public suggestions box at an office of the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption nearest you.

Thank you for your cooperation. Best wishes for an easy and successful absorption!!


Other Available Publications

The following booklets are available from the Publications Department. To order, simply indicate the booklets you wish to receive and return the order form to the Publications Department, English Section, Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, 15 Rehov Hillel, Jerusalem 9458115. The publications will be mailed to you free of charge.

Name ____________________________________________

Addess ___________________________________________

Postal Code ___________________

Date_________________________

Guide for the New Immigrant The Absorption Basket National Insurance Institute Employment Centers for New Immigrants and Returning Residents-Addresses and Telephone Numbers Housing Employment Education First Steps Guarding Your Health in

Israel Health Services in Israel The Life Cycle in Israel A Guide to Higher Education Military Service Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Addresses and Telephone Numbers Artists and Writers

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Professionals Engineers and Architects Lawyers Medical Professionals Nurses Psychologists Scientists and Researchers "Sela" Job-Search Workshops Social Workers Teachers Transportation Services in

Israel Where to Turn Information for Olim

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